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The biggest two hurdles I’ve seen writers come up against is character development and plotting. Both present their own challenges, but by far, plot development seems to stump writers more.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines plot as, “the plan or main story (as of a movie or literary work).” In the simplest of terms, they’re correct, but there is more to be said about what a plot is and how to successfully devise a plot that carries readers through an entire 300-page novel.
Think of plots as a literary roadmap, taking the characters from Point A to Point B. The plot is the driving force, the vehicle in which characters navigate and arrive at the finish line of a story. Everything within your story ultimately needs to push the agenda of the underlying theme or inevitable ending of the manuscript. This can be accomplished utilizing one of four plot models, a few plotting hacks, and some grit.
If you’re ready to transform your ideas into fully fledged book plots, grab your salted caramel coffee, G-2 07 pens, and let’s get plotting!
Plotting Terms Explained
If you’ve made it this far with writing, I’m sure you’ve come across several of these plotting terms already, and some of you may be wondering, “What the heck does this even mean?!” I’m here to alleviate that on-set of writing-panic. Think of me as your Writing Fairy Godmother, minus the wand.
These terms are important for differentiating between aspects of a story and its plot, and it makes it a lot easier to explain rather than saying, “In this part and then in this part, and then in this part.” Trust me. Learn these terms and commit to adding them in your daily writing vocabulary. It will save everyone a ton of time, avoid unnecessary confusion, and make you sound even more like a professional writer.
- Crises: Conflicts or events that occur during the rising action that bring characters closer to the climax of the story.
- Climax: This is the peak of all the crises and rising action of the story. The climax usually occurs in the last third of a book, though this is not true for all literary works and genres.
- Exposition: This can be any information concerning characters, setting, and details a reader need to understand at the beginning of your story.
- Falling Action: After the climax, the story shifts into a series of events where any loose ends are beginning to be tied up and any remaining plot points are reaching completion.
- Resolution: The ending scenes or chapters of a story where all plot points are resolved, and the characters are adjusting to their new lives.
Freytag’s Pyramid
In third grade, we learned about something called Freytag’s Pyramid. This diagram was given as an example of what series of events need to occur within a story from start to finish, but the sad truth about this plot model is it’s dangerously simplistic for novels, and I personally wouldn’t recommend anyone using this plot model unless writing a children’s book.
The structure has the story begin by revealing the exposition within the introduction portion of the book, usually the first few chapters. There is a long and direct rising action that peaks with the climax occurring in the smack-dab middle of the story, followed by another long drag of a falling action before ending with a short resolution at the end.
For kids, this is a great model to begin teaching them the importance of plot and develop their understanding of how one action leads to the next and so on. However, that’s where the perks of this plot model end.
Hero’s Journey
If you’re a Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fan, then you’re already acquainted with the hero’s journey plot model. This model is often used for science fiction and fantasy novels but can also be used for horror storylines as well. (Think of the Halloween movie series with Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle.)
This model comes full circle with the main character (i. e. the hero) beginning their story in a world they’re already familiar with and soon being called to begin their journey. Most times, the hero will ignore or avoid the journey until either a mentor or elder figure persuades them to accept. From there, the hero will travel to a new place, meeting new characters and troubles, to defeat an enemy that ultimately aides in transforming their understanding of the world. With a new perspective, they’ll travel back home and make efforts to appease the shortcomings of their past.
Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry begins his story at 4 Privet Drive with a bed in the cupboard under the stairs and receives a letter from Hogwarts but doesn’t believe he’s a real wizard. Hagrid eventually arrives to convince Harry and takes him to Diagon Alley to shop for school supplies. Harry learns that Voltemort is responsible for the death of his parents. With the help of his new friends, Ron and Hermione, Harry plans to find the Sorcerer’s Stone before Professor Snape does. They overcome the obstacles protecting the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Harry fights Professor Quirrel, who had been a host body for Voltemort. After the battle, Harry wakes up in the hospital, and, now understanding his significance at Hogwarts, returns to 4 Privet Drive with anticipation for school at Hogwarts to begin again in the fall.
In Media Res (Into the Middle of Things)
This Latin-named plot model begins in the middle of a story. Weird, right? Using in media res is best for horror, thrillers, and mystery novels with a lot of action. The late Toni Morrison and William Faulkner were known for utilizing in media res in their stories in conjunction with flashbacks to add exposition throughout. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe is also written in media res where a murder has been committed and the narrator is describing flashbacks of what led up to the murder.
By starting in the middle, the story has a near-immediate upward trajectory taking the character(s) through crises and flashbacks, eventually reaching the peak of the story with a climatic action followed by the falling action and ending resolution.
The Fichtean Curve
Freytag’s Pyramid, but… add a little bit of ✨ spice. ✨
Similar to Freytag’s Pyramid, the Fichtean Curve focuses primarily on a series of rising actions peaking at a climactic point, followed by the falling action of the story. What makes this model different is that it begins with an immediate rising action with exposition added throughout the first half of the book. During the rising action, many crises occur but are done so with their own rising and falling actions. As the story’s climactic point occurs usually 2/3 of the way through the story, the remaining chapters are kept for the falling action and resolution.
Most YA and adult novels use this type of structure, and with good reason. The structure makes for a page-turning story with new events occurring regularly to keep the reader invested.
Remember to P.L.O.T.
One important thing to note regardless of the plot structure you use is what plot points are occurring throughout the book itself. It’s best to keep a running list of all plot points you create for your story so when it comes time to write the falling action and resolution, you can cross-reference to see if you’ve accidentally missed anything. This helps avoid plot holes and any unresolved issues throughout a story.
My favorite trick to plotting is my signature P.L.O.T. Method. This is the same method I’ve used for all my creative writing work, and the exact one I’ve taught to other authors to help strengthen their plotting skills. P.L.O.T. stands for:
P—PLAN
Plan what you want to happen in the story from Point A to Point B and everything in between. Using the roadmap analogy I mentioned earlier, think of the plot as the roadmap of how your characters begin their journey from start to finish.
L—LIST
List all plot points you want to use in your notepad, in a Google Doc, or in the Notes app on your phone. As long as you have a list to reference, there’s less chance of ending up with ungodly plot holes that force you to rewrite 30,000 words. (Been there, done that.)
O—ORGANIZE
Organize all the plot points in a manner that makes sense to the story. Just like a roadmap (the real ones our grandparent’s kept in the glove compartments of their cars), you’re not going to begin a journey from Arizona to Michigan without going through New Mexico first.
T—TIME
Ensure all plot points are occurring in a realistic and timely fashion. Similar to the point above, plot points need to be organized in a way that makes sense on a universal time clock. If you’re writing a Sci-Fi or fantasy novel where time is different in that reality, make sure you’re following the correct time clock applicable to your world.
When in doubt, have a friend or critique partner read through your draft to see if you’ve missed any plot resolutions. Writing is often a solo job, but it takes a community to bring a book to life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people you know and trust to help you along in the process.
Still have questions? Download my NaNoWriMo Preptober Workbook to help craft your story from start to finish.
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